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Robert Ford (politician)

October 22, 2023

This article is about the South Carolina politician. For other people named Robert Ford, see Robert Ford (disambiguation).

Robert Ford (born December 26, 1948) is an American politician who served as a Democratic member of the South Carolina Senate from 1993 to 2013, representing District 42, which is located in Charleston. From 1974 to 1992, he served as a member of the Charleston City Council.

Robert Ford
Member of the South Carolina Senate
from the 42nd district
In office
1993–2013
Preceded byHerbert Fielding[1]
Succeeded byMarlon Kimpson
Member of the Charleston City Council
In office
1974–1992
Personal details
Born (1948-12-26) December 26, 1948 (age 74)
New Orleans, Louisiana
Political partyDemocratic
ResidenceCharleston, South Carolina
Alma materGrambling State University, Wayne State University
OccupationPolitician[2]
Website

Originally involved in the civil rights movement, several of Ford's public statements and legislative proposals as senator attracted media attention and controversy. He finished in third place in the June 2010 Democratic primary election for Governor of South Carolina. He resigned on May 31, 2013, in the midst of a political scandal on public funds spent in adult establishments.[3][4][5]

Personal life Edit

Ford was born in New Orleans, Louisiana;[6] his parents were leaders in the African American community.[7] Ford attended Wayne State University[6] and Grambling State University, from which he was expelled in 1969 before graduating for leading civil rights demonstrations. He was expelled by the university, despite it being historically black, because it relied on public funds which were controlled by a state government opposed to desegregation.[7] Ford was a member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference staff from 1966 to 1972[6] and worked for Martin Luther King Jr. (continuing after King was assassinated) as a member of an advance team of the 1968 Poor People's Campaign.[8] He was arrested 73 times for participating in protests during the civil rights movement. In 1973, he won a draft evasion trial on basis of conscientious objection.[7] Ford worked as a car salesman[9] and later became a full-time legislator.[9] Ford is a lifelong bachelor.[7]

Political career Edit

Ford was elected to serve on the Charleston City Council, where he served from 1974 to 1992.[6] During this time, Councilman Ford was indicted on forgery charges after an annexation petition for the Neck area included the names of dead people.[10] However, he was not convicted.[10]

Ford ran for the State Senate and was elected on November 3, 1992,[11] taking office in 1993.[9] He was reelected in 1996, 2000, 2004, and 2008. He served on the Senate Committees on Banking and Insurance, Corrections and Penology, General, Invitations, Judiciary, and Labor, Commerce and Industry,[6] and was the ranking Democrat on several committees.[12] Ford is a member of the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus.[13] Ford resigned on May 31, 2013 during a brewing campaign finance scandal.

Ford has been described as entertaining, controversial,[9] and politically incorrect.[14] He supported Hillary Clinton in the 2008 Democratic presidential primaries and questioned Barack Obama's appeal to white voters.[15] Ford later apologized for his comments, stating that any Democrat could win[15] and that he had supported other African American candidates for president in the past.[16] Ford's comments prompted a primary challenge in 2008 from Charleston lawyer Dwayne Green.[2] In the beginning of his campaign, Green managed to raise double the amount of campaign funds Ford raised,[17] and although Ford's fundraising improved[18] he for the first time attended a candidate forum to receive free publicity, because his campaign had financial difficulty resulting from the contested primary and a fire in his home.[19] Green was defeated in the primary election by a wide margin.[20] Ford praised Obama's election in November 2008, but criticized South Carolina Congressman James Clyburn's family for allegedly attempting to profit off Obama's victory.[21]

Political positions Edit

 
South Carolina State House

As senator, Ford has introduced many bills with only a small number becoming law, but has been more successful in contributing to compromise bills.[7] After becoming senator, Ford attempted to have the Confederate flag removed from the South Carolina State House.[22] It was the last state capitol to display a Confederate battle flag, and Ford had picketed the building in the 1960s as a symbol of discrimination.[7] Following years of debate, the flag was moved to a nearby monument with the adoption of a compromise bill authored by Ford.[7] He was responsible for the passage of a 1998[23] bill that paired Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with Confederate Memorial Day as paid holidays.[24] Ford stated that he hoped the legislation would improve race relations in South Carolina.

Ford described the election of judges by popular vote as a major goal[14] and supported increasing the number of judges.[25] He supported giving more authority to law enforcement, including the ability to search people on parole and probation without warrant, making attempted murder a crime with lifelong sentence, and increasing penalties for possession of illegal guns.[26] Ford is a proponent of stricter regulations of the financial industry.[27] He sponsored a 2006 ban on payday lending,[28] which was shown to discriminate against African Americans.[29] In 2008, Ford blocked all House bills in the Senate until the bill was taken up.[30] The bill failed in the Senate by a close vote and was heavily amended so lenders would not be banned but restricted. The bill then passed with Ford voting in favor but failed to advance after changes made in the House.[31] A bill preventing consumers from taking out more than one loan at a time passed the House in 2009.[32] Ford supported offshore drilling, stating conservation was not a priority for most citizens of the state.[33] Geologists believe there is little oil to be found off the South Carolina coast.[34] Ford wants to prevent the widening of Interstate 26 through Charleston, calling instead for a study for transportation needs.[35] Ford emphasized the need for more funding for school programs, which he claimed is necessary due to the small number of pupils attending college[36] and to remedy lacks of knowledge in geography and civics, which he wants reinstated as a school subject.[37] Ford was told about favoritism, intimidation and racism in the South Carolina Highway Patrol[38] and publicized it with Glenn McConnell.[39] Subsequently, director and deputy director of the South Carolina Department of Public Safety resigned under pressure from governor Mark Sanford.[40]

Ford sponsored legislation defining a hate crime "as an assault, intimidation or threat based on 'actual or perceived' race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin and sexual orientation."[41] He also introduced several bills concerning gay rights in lodging,[42] hospital visitation rights[43] and partnerships. His partnership bill would provide for civil unions in South Carolina.[44] The effort was judged by state senator Mike Fair as predetermined to fail, but Ford cited the Democratic National Committee's platform on the issue and argued that Barack Obama's election showed that a change should be attempted.[45] Even if passed, the measure would be unenforceable, due to a constitutional amendment banning unions similar to marriage in South Carolina. Ford worked to outlaw profanity[46][47] and saggy pants and to keep music from minors that is "profane, vulgar, lewd, lascivious or indecent."[48] Ford argued he did not expect these proposals to be approved but wanted to start a discussion specifically targeting young African American men's fashion as well as rap music. He stated: "You don't have to emulate prisoners no more. You can emulate somebody like Barack Obama."[48]

Ford often opposed governor Mark Sanford's political goals, arguing his proposed reforms were unwanted by the public,[49] and he mostly opposed Sanford's fiscal policy and worked to override budget vetoes by the governor, claiming he was removed from the interests of citizens.[50] An exception were security measures for the State House complex which Ford agreed were too costly.[51] He also opposed Sanford's goal to increase the number of roll calls in the State Senate[52] and voted against a 2008 immigration reform bill favored by Sanford, stating it would be an ineffective deterrent and would lead to less driving safety.[53] The reform would have required all employers to use state driver's licenses or a database from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to check the legal status of workers.[54] Ford co-sponsored a bill with Glenn McConnell that would limit the governor's authority to appoint and remove board members overseeing the Charleston port and increase required qualifications for board members.[55] Ford opposed a bill giving Sanford authority over the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.[56]

2010 Gubernatorial candidacy Edit

Main article: South Carolina gubernatorial election, 2010

Ford ran to succeed Mark Sanford as Governor of South Carolina in the 2010 gubernatorial election.[9] His platform included reinstating video poker to the state to generate returns from taxes on the gaming industry in an effort to balance the state budget,[57] something he has proposed since the late 1990s.[58] A law Ford sponsored in 2008 to make gambling legal failed to advance;[59] he planned a voter referendum to repeal the ban.[9] Ford faced state senator Vincent A. Sheheen of Camden and State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex in a primary election.[60] Sheheen's campaign has raised $33,000 as of January 2009, while Ford's campaign raised $6,000.[57] On June 8, 2010, Ford finished in third place in the primary election with 18 percent of the vote.[60]

Electoral history Edit

South Carolina State Senator, 42nd Senatorial District, 1992[11]

Primary election, August 25, 1992

Threshold > 50%

Candidate Affiliation Support Outcome
Robert Ford Democratic 3,417 (62.47%) Elected
Margaret Rush Democratic 2,053 (37.53%) Defeated

Ford won the general election unopposed on November 3, 1992.

South Carolina State Senator, 42nd Senatorial District, 1996[61]

Ford did not have a primary opponent on June 11, 1996.

General election, November 5, 1996

Candidate Affiliation Support Outcome
Robert Ford Democratic 11,315 (64.87%) Elected
Tim Scott Republican 6,110 (35.03%) Defeated

South Carolina State Senator, 42nd Senatorial District, 2000[62]

Primary election

Threshold > 50%

First Ballot, June 13, 2000

Candidate Affiliation Support Outcome
Robert Ford Democratic 2,112 (48.64%) Run-off
Maurice Washington Democratic 1,191 (27.43%) Run-off
Reuben R. Reeder Democratic 1,039 (23.93%) Defeated

Second Ballot, June 27, 2000

Candidate Affiliation Support Outcome
Robert Ford Democratic 2,397 (60.35%) Elected
Maurice Washington Democratic 1,575 (39.65%) Defeated

Ford won the general election unopposed on November 7, 2000.

South Carolina State Senator, 42nd Senatorial District, 2004[63]

Primary election, June 8, 2004

Threshold > 50%

Candidate Affiliation Support Outcome
Robert Ford Democratic 2,684 (89.35%) Elected
Brian K. Maxwell Democratic 320 (10.65%) Defeated

General election, November 2, 2004

Candidate Affiliation Support Outcome
Robert Ford Democratic 14,677 (69.03%) Elected
Maurice Washington Petition 6.580 (30.95%) Defeated

South Carolina State Senator, 42nd Senatorial District, 2008

Primary election, June 10, 2008[20]

Threshold > 50%

Candidate Affiliation Support Outcome
Robert Ford Democratic 3,793 (74.72%) Elected
Dwayne M. Green Democratic 1,283 (25.28%) Defeated

General election, November 4, 2008[64]

Candidate Affiliation Support Outcome
Robert Ford Democratic 22,660 (81.82%) Elected
Scotty Sheriff Republican 5,014 (18.11%) Defeated

South Carolina State Senator, 42nd Senatorial District, 2012

Senator Ford was unopposed for reelection in both the Democratic primary[65] and the general election.[66]

General election, November 6, 2012

Candidate Affiliation Support Outcome
Robert Ford Democratic 30,064 (98.82%) Elected
Various Write-in 360 (1.18%)

References Edit

  1. ^ (PDF). South Carolina State Election Commission. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-12-16. Retrieved 2009-02-07.
  2. ^ a b Behre, Robert (2008-05-12). . The Post and Courier. Archived from the original on 2008-10-17. Retrieved 2009-02-08. ("While Ford's Senate biography describes his occupation as 'developer,' he said he's a full-time senator.")
  3. ^ "South Carolina politicians use office to pad pockets". 25 September 2015.
  4. ^ [1] | MAY 28, 2015 | Former state senator Robert Ford gets no jail time | JOHN MONK | [2]
  5. ^ [3] | May 15, 2016 | Former S.C. Sen. Robert Ford’s ethics restitution dropped to $500 per month | Schuyler Kropf | [4]
  6. ^ a b c d e . South Carolina Senate. Archived from the original on 2008-12-02. Retrieved 2009-02-07.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g Wenger, Yvonne (2009-01-14). "The odd couple". The Post and Courier. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  8. ^ Petersen, Bo (2008-04-08). "6 recall the horror, sadness of slaying". The Post and Courier. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  9. ^ a b c d e f Wenger, Yvonne (2009-01-14). . The Post and Courier. Archived from the original on 2009-01-23. Retrieved 2009-02-07.
  10. ^ a b Slade, David (December 17, 2015). "Riley's hard-won legacy a growing, thriving city". Post and Courier. Retrieved 2021-12-29.
  11. ^ a b "South Carolina Election Commission Annual Report 1992-1993" (PDF). South Carolina State Election Commission. Retrieved 2009-02-07.
  12. ^ Wenger, Yvonne (2008-11-02). "Ford, Sheriff address issues". The Post and Courier. Archived from the original on 2012-07-23. Retrieved 2009-02-21.
  13. ^ . South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus. Archived from the original on August 27, 2009. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  14. ^ a b Wenger, Yvonne (2008-09-24). . The Post and Courier. Archived from the original on 2008-10-29. Retrieved 2009-02-08.
  15. ^ a b Miller, David L. (2007-02-13). "2 Key Black Politicians Endorse Clinton". CBS News. Associated Press. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  16. ^ Hunter, Jennifer (2008-01-26). . Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on March 2, 2008. Retrieved 2009-02-08.
  17. ^ Behre, Robert (2008-04-16). . The Post and Courier. Archived from the original on 2008-12-04. Retrieved 2009-02-08.
  18. ^ Behre, Robert (2008-06-07). "Race for 9th Circuit pricey". The Post and Courier. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  19. ^ Behre, Robert (2008-10-20). "Ford changes tactics as his funds run out". The Post and Courier. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  20. ^ a b "2008 Republican and Democratic Primary". South Carolina State Election Commission. 2008-06-27. Retrieved 2009-02-07.
  21. ^ Behre, Robert (2008-11-26). "Remarks 'kind of strange'". The Post and Courier. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  22. ^ Collins, Jeffrey (2008-07-21). "Little local echo for new NAACP flag boycott". The Times and Democrat. Associated Press. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
  23. ^ Petersen, Bo (2009-02-04). . The Post and Courier. Archived from the original on 2009-02-09. Retrieved 2009-02-13.
  24. ^ Davenport, Jim (2009-02-03). . ABC News. Associated Press. Archived from the original on March 16, 2009. Retrieved 2009-02-13.
  25. ^ Wenger, Yvonne (2008-06-30). . The Post and Courier. Archived from the original on 2008-12-02. Retrieved 2009-02-21.
  26. ^ Wenger, Yvonne (2009-01-30). . The Post and Courier. Archived from the original on 2009-03-05. Retrieved 2009-02-21.
  27. ^ Wenger, Yvonne (2007-09-20). . The Post and Courier. Archived from the original on 2008-09-29. Retrieved 2009-02-21.
  28. ^ Wenger, Yvonne (2008-02-25). . The Post and Courier. Archived from the original on 2008-10-17. Retrieved 2009-02-21.
  29. ^ Wenger, Yvonne (2007-10-08). . The Post and Courier. Archived from the original on 2007-12-11. Retrieved 2009-02-21.
  30. ^ Wenger, Yvonne (2008-05-21). . The Post and Courier. Archived from the original on 2009-03-04. Retrieved 2009-02-21.
  31. ^ Burris, Roddie (2009-02-15). "Lawmakers vs. payday loans: '08 vote was a turning point". The State (newspaper). Retrieved 2009-02-21.[dead link]
  32. ^ Adcox, Seanna (2009-02-12). . The Post and Courier. Associated Press. Archived from the original on 2009-02-22. Retrieved 2009-02-21.
  33. ^ Wenger, Yvonne (2008-07-17). . The Post and Courier. Archived from the original on 2008-08-25. Retrieved 2009-02-21.
  34. ^ Smith, Bruce (2008-07-17). "Geologists say little oil to drill off S.C. coast". The State (newspaper). Associated Press. Retrieved 2009-02-21.[dead link]
  35. ^ Hicks, Brian (2007-05-23). "Throttle back on I-26 widening, Ford says". The Post and Courier. Archived from the original on 2012-07-23. Retrieved 2009-02-21.
  36. ^ Courrégé, Diette (2008-11-28). "Ford builds on program". The Post and Courier. Archived from the original on 2012-07-24. Retrieved 2009-02-21.
  37. ^ Hicks, Brian (2008-09-26). . The Post and Courier. Archived from the original on 2008-09-28. Retrieved 2009-02-21.
  38. ^ Hicks, Brian; Wenger, Yvonne (2008-03-07). . The Post and Courier. Archived from the original on 2009-02-07. Retrieved 2009-02-21.
  39. ^ Hicks, Brian; Wenger, Yvonne (2008-04-26). . The Post and Courier. Archived from the original on 2008-10-17. Retrieved 2009-02-21.
  40. ^ Wenger, Yvonne (2008-02-29). . The Post and Courier. Archived from the original on 2008-10-16. Retrieved 2009-02-21.
  41. ^ Parker, Adam (2007-05-27). The Post and Courier. Archived from the original on 2009-01-25. Retrieved 2009-02-21.
  42. ^ "2009-2010 Bill 39: Lodging Establishment Act". South Carolina General Assembly. 2009-01-14. Retrieved 2009-02-08.
  43. ^ "2009-2010 Bill 40: Authorized visitor designation". South Carolina General Assembly. 2009-01-14. Retrieved 2009-02-08.
  44. ^ "2009-2010 Bill 42: Civil Union Equality Act". South Carolina General Assembly. 2009-02-05. Retrieved 2009-02-07.
  45. ^ Kittle, Robert (2009-02-04). WSPA-TV. Archived from the original on 2009-02-10. Retrieved 2009-02-07.
  46. ^ Collins, Larry (2009-01-25). . WCBD-TV. Archived from the original on 2009-02-07. Retrieved 2009-02-08.
  47. ^ "2009-2010 Bill 56: Profanity". South Carolina General Assembly. 2009-01-14. Retrieved 2009-02-08.
  48. ^ a b Adcox, Seanna (2009-01-16). "Ford crusade targets baggy pants". The Post and Courier. Associated Press. Archived from the original on 2010-07-28. Retrieved 2009-02-08.
  49. ^ Behre, Robert (2007-09-07). "Sanford ready to take on legislators". The Post and Courier. Retrieved 2009-02-18.
  50. ^ Wenger, Yvonne (2007-06-28). "Governor's vetoes total $167 million". The Post and Courier. Retrieved 2009-02-18.
  51. ^ Wenger, Yvonne (2008-10-11). . The Post and Courier. Archived from the original on 2008-10-15. Retrieved 2009-02-21.
  52. ^ Wenger, Yvonne (2008-09-25). "Effort to force roll calls begins". The Post and Courier. Archived from the original on 2012-07-28. Retrieved 2009-02-21.
  53. ^ Haglund, Noah; Wenger, Yvonne (2008-06-16). . The Post and Courier. Archived from the original on 2008-06-19. Retrieved 2009-02-21.
  54. ^ Wenger, Yvonne (2008-05-15). "Senate votes down immigration bill". The Post and Courier. Retrieved 2009-02-18.
  55. ^ Bird, Allyson (2009-02-19). "Senate advances SPA reforms". The Post and Courier. Archived from the original on 2012-08-01. Retrieved 2009-02-21.
  56. ^ Fretwell, Sammy (2009-02-04). . The State (newspaper). Archived from the original on 2009-02-07. Retrieved 2009-02-21.
  57. ^ a b Davenport, Jim (2009-01-18). "S.C. Democrats lining up for governor's race". Aiken Standard. Associated Press. Archived from the original on 2011-07-07. Retrieved 2009-03-03.
  58. ^ Munday, Dave (2007-08-04). "Road funding a priority, legislators say". The Post and Courier. Archived from the original on 2012-08-03. Retrieved 2009-02-21.
  59. ^ Behre, Robert (2008-04-08). . The Post and Courier. Archived from the original on 2008-10-17. Retrieved 2009-02-21.
  60. ^ a b Wenger, Yvonne (June 8, 2010). "Sheheen wins Dems nomination for governor; Haley and Barrett headed for GOP runoff". The Post and Courier. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
  61. ^ "South Carolina Election Report 1995-1996" (PDF). South Carolina State Election Commission. May 1997. Retrieved 2009-02-07.
  62. ^ "South Carolina Election Report 2000" (PDF). South Carolina State Election Commission. Retrieved 2009-02-07.
  63. ^ "2004 Election Report" (PDF). South Carolina State Election Commission. Retrieved 2009-02-07.
  64. ^ "2008 General Election". South Carolina State Election Commission. 2008-11-21. Retrieved 2009-02-07.
  65. ^ "2012 Republican and Democratic Primary". South Carolina State Election Commission. 2012-07-31. Retrieved 2013-06-01.
  66. ^ "2012 General Election". South Carolina State Election Commission. 2013-04-09. Retrieved 2013-06-01.

External links Edit

  • . South Carolina Senate. Archived from the original on 2008-12-02.
  • . Official Campaign Website. Archived from the original on 2010-02-26.
  • Profile at Vote Smart
  • Follow the Money - Robert Ford
    • 2008 2006 2004 2002 2000 1996 State Senate campaign contributions
  • Appearances on C-SPAN

October 22, 2023
robert, ford, politician, this, article, about, south, carolina, politician, other, people, named, robert, ford, robert, ford, disambiguation, robert, ford, born, december, 1948, american, politician, served, democratic, member, south, carolina, senate, from, . This article is about the South Carolina politician For other people named Robert Ford see Robert Ford disambiguation Robert Ford born December 26 1948 is an American politician who served as a Democratic member of the South Carolina Senate from 1993 to 2013 representing District 42 which is located in Charleston From 1974 to 1992 he served as a member of the Charleston City Council Robert FordMember of the South Carolina Senate from the 42nd districtIn office 1993 2013Preceded byHerbert Fielding 1 Succeeded byMarlon KimpsonMember of the Charleston City CouncilIn office 1974 1992Personal detailsBorn 1948 12 26 December 26 1948 age 74 New Orleans LouisianaPolitical partyDemocraticResidenceCharleston South CarolinaAlma materGrambling State University Wayne State UniversityOccupationPolitician 2 WebsiteSenator Robert FordOriginally involved in the civil rights movement several of Ford s public statements and legislative proposals as senator attracted media attention and controversy He finished in third place in the June 2010 Democratic primary election for Governor of South Carolina He resigned on May 31 2013 in the midst of a political scandal on public funds spent in adult establishments 3 4 5 Contents 1 Personal life 2 Political career 2 1 Political positions 3 2010 Gubernatorial candidacy 4 Electoral history 5 References 6 External linksPersonal life EditFord was born in New Orleans Louisiana 6 his parents were leaders in the African American community 7 Ford attended Wayne State University 6 and Grambling State University from which he was expelled in 1969 before graduating for leading civil rights demonstrations He was expelled by the university despite it being historically black because it relied on public funds which were controlled by a state government opposed to desegregation 7 Ford was a member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference staff from 1966 to 1972 6 and worked for Martin Luther King Jr continuing after King was assassinated as a member of an advance team of the 1968 Poor People s Campaign 8 He was arrested 73 times for participating in protests during the civil rights movement In 1973 he won a draft evasion trial on basis of conscientious objection 7 Ford worked as a car salesman 9 and later became a full time legislator 9 Ford is a lifelong bachelor 7 Political career EditFord was elected to serve on the Charleston City Council where he served from 1974 to 1992 6 During this time Councilman Ford was indicted on forgery charges after an annexation petition for the Neck area included the names of dead people 10 However he was not convicted 10 Ford ran for the State Senate and was elected on November 3 1992 11 taking office in 1993 9 He was reelected in 1996 2000 2004 and 2008 He served on the Senate Committees on Banking and Insurance Corrections and Penology General Invitations Judiciary and Labor Commerce and Industry 6 and was the ranking Democrat on several committees 12 Ford is a member of the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus 13 Ford resigned on May 31 2013 during a brewing campaign finance scandal Ford has been described as entertaining controversial 9 and politically incorrect 14 He supported Hillary Clinton in the 2008 Democratic presidential primaries and questioned Barack Obama s appeal to white voters 15 Ford later apologized for his comments stating that any Democrat could win 15 and that he had supported other African American candidates for president in the past 16 Ford s comments prompted a primary challenge in 2008 from Charleston lawyer Dwayne Green 2 In the beginning of his campaign Green managed to raise double the amount of campaign funds Ford raised 17 and although Ford s fundraising improved 18 he for the first time attended a candidate forum to receive free publicity because his campaign had financial difficulty resulting from the contested primary and a fire in his home 19 Green was defeated in the primary election by a wide margin 20 Ford praised Obama s election in November 2008 but criticized South Carolina Congressman James Clyburn s family for allegedly attempting to profit off Obama s victory 21 Political positions Edit nbsp South Carolina State HouseAs senator Ford has introduced many bills with only a small number becoming law but has been more successful in contributing to compromise bills 7 After becoming senator Ford attempted to have the Confederate flag removed from the South Carolina State House 22 It was the last state capitol to display a Confederate battle flag and Ford had picketed the building in the 1960s as a symbol of discrimination 7 Following years of debate the flag was moved to a nearby monument with the adoption of a compromise bill authored by Ford 7 He was responsible for the passage of a 1998 23 bill that paired Martin Luther King Jr Day with Confederate Memorial Day as paid holidays 24 Ford stated that he hoped the legislation would improve race relations in South Carolina Ford described the election of judges by popular vote as a major goal 14 and supported increasing the number of judges 25 He supported giving more authority to law enforcement including the ability to search people on parole and probation without warrant making attempted murder a crime with lifelong sentence and increasing penalties for possession of illegal guns 26 Ford is a proponent of stricter regulations of the financial industry 27 He sponsored a 2006 ban on payday lending 28 which was shown to discriminate against African Americans 29 In 2008 Ford blocked all House bills in the Senate until the bill was taken up 30 The bill failed in the Senate by a close vote and was heavily amended so lenders would not be banned but restricted The bill then passed with Ford voting in favor but failed to advance after changes made in the House 31 A bill preventing consumers from taking out more than one loan at a time passed the House in 2009 32 Ford supported offshore drilling stating conservation was not a priority for most citizens of the state 33 Geologists believe there is little oil to be found off the South Carolina coast 34 Ford wants to prevent the widening of Interstate 26 through Charleston calling instead for a study for transportation needs 35 Ford emphasized the need for more funding for school programs which he claimed is necessary due to the small number of pupils attending college 36 and to remedy lacks of knowledge in geography and civics which he wants reinstated as a school subject 37 Ford was told about favoritism intimidation and racism in the South Carolina Highway Patrol 38 and publicized it with Glenn McConnell 39 Subsequently director and deputy director of the South Carolina Department of Public Safety resigned under pressure from governor Mark Sanford 40 Ford sponsored legislation defining a hate crime as an assault intimidation or threat based on actual or perceived race religion color sex age national origin and sexual orientation 41 He also introduced several bills concerning gay rights in lodging 42 hospital visitation rights 43 and partnerships His partnership bill would provide for civil unions in South Carolina 44 The effort was judged by state senator Mike Fair as predetermined to fail but Ford cited the Democratic National Committee s platform on the issue and argued that Barack Obama s election showed that a change should be attempted 45 Even if passed the measure would be unenforceable due to a constitutional amendment banning unions similar to marriage in South Carolina Ford worked to outlaw profanity 46 47 and saggy pants and to keep music from minors that is profane vulgar lewd lascivious or indecent 48 Ford argued he did not expect these proposals to be approved but wanted to start a discussion specifically targeting young African American men s fashion as well as rap music He stated You don t have to emulate prisoners no more You can emulate somebody like Barack Obama 48 Ford often opposed governor Mark Sanford s political goals arguing his proposed reforms were unwanted by the public 49 and he mostly opposed Sanford s fiscal policy and worked to override budget vetoes by the governor claiming he was removed from the interests of citizens 50 An exception were security measures for the State House complex which Ford agreed were too costly 51 He also opposed Sanford s goal to increase the number of roll calls in the State Senate 52 and voted against a 2008 immigration reform bill favored by Sanford stating it would be an ineffective deterrent and would lead to less driving safety 53 The reform would have required all employers to use state driver s licenses or a database from the U S Department of Homeland Security to check the legal status of workers 54 Ford co sponsored a bill with Glenn McConnell that would limit the governor s authority to appoint and remove board members overseeing the Charleston port and increase required qualifications for board members 55 Ford opposed a bill giving Sanford authority over the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control 56 2010 Gubernatorial candidacy EditMain article South Carolina gubernatorial election 2010 Ford ran to succeed Mark Sanford as Governor of South Carolina in the 2010 gubernatorial election 9 His platform included reinstating video poker to the state to generate returns from taxes on the gaming industry in an effort to balance the state budget 57 something he has proposed since the late 1990s 58 A law Ford sponsored in 2008 to make gambling legal failed to advance 59 he planned a voter referendum to repeal the ban 9 Ford faced state senator Vincent A Sheheen of Camden and State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex in a primary election 60 Sheheen s campaign has raised 33 000 as of January 2009 while Ford s campaign raised 6 000 57 On June 8 2010 Ford finished in third place in the primary election with 18 percent of the vote 60 Electoral history EditSouth Carolina State Senator 42nd Senatorial District 1992 11 Primary election August 25 1992Threshold gt 50 Candidate Affiliation Support OutcomeRobert Ford Democratic 3 417 62 47 ElectedMargaret Rush Democratic 2 053 37 53 DefeatedFord won the general election unopposed on November 3 1992 South Carolina State Senator 42nd Senatorial District 1996 61 Ford did not have a primary opponent on June 11 1996 General election November 5 1996 Candidate Affiliation Support OutcomeRobert Ford Democratic 11 315 64 87 ElectedTim Scott Republican 6 110 35 03 DefeatedSouth Carolina State Senator 42nd Senatorial District 2000 62 Primary electionThreshold gt 50 First Ballot June 13 2000 Candidate Affiliation Support OutcomeRobert Ford Democratic 2 112 48 64 Run offMaurice Washington Democratic 1 191 27 43 Run offReuben R Reeder Democratic 1 039 23 93 DefeatedSecond Ballot June 27 2000 Candidate Affiliation Support OutcomeRobert Ford Democratic 2 397 60 35 ElectedMaurice Washington Democratic 1 575 39 65 DefeatedFord won the general election unopposed on November 7 2000 South Carolina State Senator 42nd Senatorial District 2004 63 Primary election June 8 2004Threshold gt 50 Candidate Affiliation Support OutcomeRobert Ford Democratic 2 684 89 35 ElectedBrian K Maxwell Democratic 320 10 65 DefeatedGeneral election November 2 2004 Candidate Affiliation Support OutcomeRobert Ford Democratic 14 677 69 03 ElectedMaurice Washington Petition 6 580 30 95 DefeatedSouth Carolina State Senator 42nd Senatorial District 2008Primary election June 10 2008 20 Threshold gt 50 Candidate Affiliation Support OutcomeRobert Ford Democratic 3 793 74 72 ElectedDwayne M Green Democratic 1 283 25 28 DefeatedGeneral election November 4 2008 64 Candidate Affiliation Support OutcomeRobert Ford Democratic 22 660 81 82 ElectedScotty Sheriff Republican 5 014 18 11 DefeatedSouth Carolina State Senator 42nd Senatorial District 2012Senator Ford was unopposed for reelection in both the Democratic primary 65 and the general election 66 General election November 6 2012 Candidate Affiliation Support OutcomeRobert Ford Democratic 30 064 98 82 ElectedVarious Write in 360 1 18 References Edit South Carolina Election Commission Annual Report 1988 1989 PDF South Carolina State Election Commission Archived from the original PDF on 2016 12 16 Retrieved 2009 02 07 a b Behre Robert 2008 05 12 Green Ford battle rages The Post and Courier Archived from the original on 2008 10 17 Retrieved 2009 02 08 While Ford s Senate biography describes his occupation as developer he said he s a full time senator South Carolina politicians use office to pad pockets 25 September 2015 1 MAY 28 2015 Former state senator Robert Ford gets no jail time JOHN MONK 2 3 May 15 2016 Former S C Sen Robert Ford s ethics restitution dropped to 500 per month Schuyler Kropf 4 a b c d e Senator Robert Ford South Carolina Senate Archived from the original on 2008 12 02 Retrieved 2009 02 07 a b c d e f g Wenger Yvonne 2009 01 14 The odd couple The Post and Courier Retrieved 2009 02 17 Petersen Bo 2008 04 08 6 recall the horror sadness of slaying The Post and Courier Retrieved 2009 02 17 a b c d e f Wenger Yvonne 2009 01 14 Ford to focus on return of video poker The Post and Courier Archived from the original on 2009 01 23 Retrieved 2009 02 07 a b Slade David December 17 2015 Riley s hard won legacy a growing thriving city Post and Courier Retrieved 2021 12 29 a b South Carolina Election Commission Annual Report 1992 1993 PDF South Carolina State Election Commission Retrieved 2009 02 07 Wenger Yvonne 2008 11 02 Ford Sheriff address issues The Post and Courier Archived from the original on 2012 07 23 Retrieved 2009 02 21 Senator Robert Ford South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus Archived from the original on August 27 2009 Retrieved 2009 02 17 a b Wenger Yvonne 2008 09 24 Ford battles political newcomer Sheriff The Post and Courier Archived from the original on 2008 10 29 Retrieved 2009 02 08 a b Miller David L 2007 02 13 2 Key Black Politicians Endorse Clinton CBS News Associated Press Retrieved 2009 02 17 Hunter Jennifer 2008 01 26 Down to the wire in S Carolina Chicago Sun Times Archived from the original on March 2 2008 Retrieved 2009 02 08 Behre Robert 2008 04 16 Green passes Ford in Senate race cash The Post and Courier Archived from the original on 2008 12 04 Retrieved 2009 02 08 Behre Robert 2008 06 07 Race for 9th Circuit pricey The Post and Courier Retrieved 2009 02 17 Behre Robert 2008 10 20 Ford changes tactics as his funds run out The Post and Courier Retrieved 2009 02 17 a b 2008 Republican and Democratic Primary South Carolina State Election Commission 2008 06 27 Retrieved 2009 02 07 Behre Robert 2008 11 26 Remarks kind of strange The Post and Courier Retrieved 2009 02 17 Collins Jeffrey 2008 07 21 Little local echo for new NAACP flag boycott The Times and Democrat Associated Press Retrieved 2009 02 17 Petersen Bo 2009 02 04 Sen Ford wants 2 holidays observed The Post and Courier Archived from the original on 2009 02 09 Retrieved 2009 02 13 Davenport Jim 2009 02 03 Bill Would Require Paid Confederate Holiday in SC ABC News Associated Press Archived from the original on March 16 2009 Retrieved 2009 02 13 Wenger Yvonne 2008 06 30 Next step DNA sampling bill now in Sanford s hands The Post and Courier Archived from the original on 2008 12 02 Retrieved 2009 02 21 Wenger Yvonne 2009 01 30 Riley enlists crime fighting posse The Post and Courier Archived from the original on 2009 03 05 Retrieved 2009 02 21 Wenger Yvonne 2007 09 20 Legislators join suit over loans The Post and Courier Archived from the original on 2008 09 29 Retrieved 2009 02 21 Wenger Yvonne 2008 02 25 Payday lenders might be reined in The Post and Courier Archived from the original on 2008 10 17 Retrieved 2009 02 21 Wenger Yvonne 2007 10 08 Examining rates for blacks The Post and Courier Archived from the original on 2007 12 11 Retrieved 2009 02 21 Wenger Yvonne 2008 05 21 Ford vies to keep payday bill alive The Post and Courier Archived from the original on 2009 03 04 Retrieved 2009 02 21 Burris Roddie 2009 02 15 Lawmakers vs payday loans 08 vote was a turning point The State newspaper Retrieved 2009 02 21 dead link Adcox Seanna 2009 02 12 Payday lending bill advances The Post and Courier Associated Press Archived from the original on 2009 02 22 Retrieved 2009 02 21 Wenger Yvonne 2008 07 17 Ford to propose measure to allow drilling off S C coast The Post and Courier Archived from the original on 2008 08 25 Retrieved 2009 02 21 Smith Bruce 2008 07 17 Geologists say little oil to drill off S C coast The State newspaper Associated Press Retrieved 2009 02 21 dead link Hicks Brian 2007 05 23 Throttle back on I 26 widening Ford says The Post and Courier Archived from the original on 2012 07 23 Retrieved 2009 02 21 Courrege Diette 2008 11 28 Ford builds on program The Post and Courier Archived from the original on 2012 07 24 Retrieved 2009 02 21 Hicks Brian 2008 09 26 Got civics Does the Electoral College give out scholarships The Post and Courier Archived from the original on 2008 09 28 Retrieved 2009 02 21 Hicks Brian Wenger Yvonne 2008 03 07 Patrol to get hard look The Post and Courier Archived from the original on 2009 02 07 Retrieved 2009 02 21 Hicks Brian Wenger Yvonne 2008 04 26 Files detail trooper misdeeds The Post and Courier Archived from the original on 2008 10 17 Retrieved 2009 02 21 Wenger Yvonne 2008 02 29 Highway patrol officials resign in wake of racial incidents among troopers The Post and Courier Archived from the original on 2008 10 16 Retrieved 2009 02 21 Parker Adam 2007 05 27 Mom urges hate crime law in S C The Post and Courier Archived from the original on 2009 01 25 Retrieved 2009 02 21 2009 2010 Bill 39 Lodging Establishment Act South Carolina General Assembly 2009 01 14 Retrieved 2009 02 08 2009 2010 Bill 40 Authorized visitor designation South Carolina General Assembly 2009 01 14 Retrieved 2009 02 08 2009 2010 Bill 42 Civil Union Equality Act South Carolina General Assembly 2009 02 05 Retrieved 2009 02 07 Kittle Robert 2009 02 04 State Senator Pushing For Same Sex Civil Unions In S C WSPA TV Archived from the original on 2009 02 10 Retrieved 2009 02 07 Collins Larry 2009 01 25 Sen Robert Ford pushes to outlaw profanity WCBD TV Archived from the original on 2009 02 07 Retrieved 2009 02 08 2009 2010 Bill 56 Profanity South Carolina General Assembly 2009 01 14 Retrieved 2009 02 08 a b Adcox Seanna 2009 01 16 Ford crusade targets baggy pants The Post and Courier Associated Press Archived from the original on 2010 07 28 Retrieved 2009 02 08 Behre Robert 2007 09 07 Sanford ready to take on legislators The Post and Courier Retrieved 2009 02 18 Wenger Yvonne 2007 06 28 Governor s vetoes total 167 million The Post and Courier Retrieved 2009 02 18 Wenger Yvonne 2008 10 11 Statehouse security measures under fire The Post and Courier Archived from the original on 2008 10 15 Retrieved 2009 02 21 Wenger Yvonne 2008 09 25 Effort to force roll calls begins The Post and Courier Archived from the original on 2012 07 28 Retrieved 2009 02 21 Haglund Noah Wenger Yvonne 2008 06 16 Human cost of unlicensed drivers The Post and Courier Archived from the original on 2008 06 19 Retrieved 2009 02 21 Wenger Yvonne 2008 05 15 Senate votes down immigration bill The Post and Courier Retrieved 2009 02 18 Bird Allyson 2009 02 19 Senate advances SPA reforms The Post and Courier Archived from the original on 2012 08 01 Retrieved 2009 02 21 Fretwell Sammy 2009 02 04 Governor should control DHEC senators say The State newspaper Archived from the original on 2009 02 07 Retrieved 2009 02 21 a b Davenport Jim 2009 01 18 S C Democrats lining up for governor s race Aiken Standard Associated Press Archived from the original on 2011 07 07 Retrieved 2009 03 03 Munday Dave 2007 08 04 Road funding a priority legislators say The Post and Courier Archived from the original on 2012 08 03 Retrieved 2009 02 21 Behre Robert 2008 04 08 Gambling law change unlikely anytime soon The Post and Courier Archived from the original on 2008 10 17 Retrieved 2009 02 21 a b Wenger Yvonne June 8 2010 Sheheen wins Dems nomination for governor Haley and Barrett headed for GOP runoff The Post and Courier Retrieved June 8 2010 South Carolina Election Report 1995 1996 PDF South Carolina State Election Commission May 1997 Retrieved 2009 02 07 South Carolina Election Report 2000 PDF South Carolina State Election Commission Retrieved 2009 02 07 2004 Election Report PDF South Carolina State Election Commission Retrieved 2009 02 07 2008 General Election South Carolina State Election Commission 2008 11 21 Retrieved 2009 02 07 2012 Republican and Democratic Primary South Carolina State Election Commission 2012 07 31 Retrieved 2013 06 01 2012 General Election South Carolina State Election Commission 2013 04 09 Retrieved 2013 06 01 External links Edit Senator Robert Ford South Carolina Senate Archived from the original on 2008 12 02 Robert Ford for Governor Official Campaign Website Archived from the original on 2010 02 26 Profile at Vote Smart Follow the Money Robert Ford 2008 2006 2004 2002 2000 1996 State Senate campaign contributions Appearances on C SPAN Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Robert Ford politician amp oldid 1180669658, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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